New York judge rules for stranded air travelers
Posted on 12/22/2007 by DeaconBenjamin
NEW YORK — A group representing U.S. air travelers claimed victory Frid
ay after a New York judge ruled that airlines in the state must provide essential services to passengers stranded for long periods of time.
The decision means that from Jan 1, any passengers stuck in planes on runways at New York's airports for more than three hours must be given food, water, fresh air and given access to working toilets.
Airlines face fines of up to $1,000 per passenger for not adhering to the new rules.
Campaigners urged other states to follow suit, in what they hope will eventually become a nationwide bill of rights for air passengers.
"This represents a major victory and positions us to move forward with similar measures in other states," said Burt Rubin, from the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights.
"If the federal government won't enact a uniform standard, states must fill the void," added Kate Hanni, the group's president.
Increased security at U.S. airports since the Sept 11 attacks of 2001, a reduction in services provided by airlines and an increase in passenger numbers have combined to make air travel difficult for millions of people every year.
"Profit and economics are the primary reasons that the airlines make decisions that are not passenger based," Hanni said.
Airlines opposed Thursday's decision and the Air Transport Association said it was considering appealing the ruling.
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